I Was There - Chris Chiles and the world Outside of Automotive Industries
Former ISTEL Director, Chris Chiles, in remembering the creation of the Computer Data Centre (CDC) in Redditch goes on to explore the many new business opportunities it opened for ISTEL....
The creation of the Computer Data Centre (CDC) in Redditch as the centre of excellence for both Data Processing & Telecomms which BL Systems enabled ISTEL to capitalise on to grow it's business (both within but also outside it's historical motor industry roots) but also develop & bring to market many industry leading & pioneering IT systems & services including:-
'SEE WHY', the first ever colour graphics interactive simulation system (which won the BCS software 'Innovation Award' in 1981)
'COMET', the UK's first ever online email service (well before this became widely available on the internet)
'INFOTRAC' the first ever use of a private videotex service (a stock locator system for BL dealers)
The first ever value added Network Services licence granted in the UK to a private operator
The first private networking service to link travel agents across the UK with Tour Operators for booking holidays on line
'FAILSAFE', the first UK computer back up service for large Data Centre operators
'InVIEW' the first private networking service linking Insurance conpanies with their retail outlets
